Microsoft CEO criticised for suggesting women not ask for raises

SEATTLE (Reuters) – Microsoft Corp’s chief executive officer suggested on Thursday that women in technology should not ask for raises but have faith in the “system”, bringing a torrent of criticism and causing the executive to backtrack after the statement.

Satya Nadella, who became CEO in February, was asked how women should get ahead in the tech world at a three-day conference in Phoenix, Arizona, intended to celebrate women in computing.

“It’s not really about asking for the raise, but knowing and having faith that the system will actually give you the right raises as you go along,” Nadella said, according to a recording on the website of the event, the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing.

“Because that’s good karma,” Nadella continued. “It’ll come back because somebody’s going to know that’s the kind of person that I want to trust.”

Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College and a member of Microsoft’s board, immediately challenged Nadella, saying his viewpoint was “one of the very few things that I disagree with you on,” eliciting a few cheers from the audience.

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella – REUTERS

The two went on to hug on stage, and the audience warmly applauded, but Twitter rounded on Nadella and his comments became fodder for jokes.